You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 WEB

In chapters one through three of the Book of First John, the author writes about eternal life through faith in Jesus teaching followers of Christ, “you are of God.” The book informs us of the purifying blood of Jesus Christ. Our sinful nature is addressed in 1 John 1:8-9 which says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. WEB”

Further, John asserts that God’s love is perfected in those who receive Christ and faithfully follow his word. In other words, saved by the grace of God, we refrain from sin in order to demonstrate our love for God. Our love is derived from the love of God displayed in the sacrifice of Jesus and forgiveness of sin.

Remain in Christ

John discusses the forces that oppose Christ as the Antichrist. He described them as those who deny the Son of God. Further, his concern was that these false teachers were attempting to lead the faithful astray. Therefore, John encouraged the faithful to remain in Christ, living lives that pleased God.

The words, “you are of God,” declare that God lives in the hearts of believers who accept Jesus Christ as Savior. When John writes that these followers “have overcome them,” he refers to their having overcome these false teachers. Believing in Jesus and shunning sin after forgiveness, these followers display Christ in themselves. Through the blood of Jesus, they have overcome the world as Christ overcame the word.

You are of God. In spite of the evil forces that attempt to lead believers astray, John encourages the reader with the assurance that they have overcome, “because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. WEB” This means that the believer has nothing to fear from the forces of darkness.

Yesterday’s Devotional: Serving the Lord